Trygve Lie Criticizes U.N. Resolution Censuring Israel

Trygve Lie, former Secretary General of the United Nations, said here that the Security Council “acted in a bit of a hurry” in passing its resolution censuring Israel for the retaliatory raid on Kibya. He told a testimonial dinner in honor of A.S. Kay, a veteran Zionist, that the U.N. Security Council’s resolution censuring Israel was not well balanced with former U.N. resolutions.

“Not being associated with the United Nations any longer, and not having the opportunity to study the facts at close range,” said Mr. Lie, “I am hesitant to criticize its decisions. I cannot help notice an omission in the Kibya resolution–that of an appeal for peace, which has characterized some previous UN resolutions. The Kibya resolution merely censures and condemns, it does not urge the Arabs and and Jews to seek out methods of reaching a peaceful settlement of their differences.”

The Arab states, Mr. Lie stated, must recognize the fact that Israel is a full-fledged member of the United Nations and must sit down with Israel leaders and enter into positive peace negotiations. He said “there can be no permanent stability in the Middle East until the parties negotiate their differences at the peace table.”

Israel Ambassador Abba Eban praised Mr. Kay, former national chairman of the United Jewish Appeal, for his “generous contributions” to Israel. Mr. Kay was presented with a plaque for “outstanding service to the cause of Israel,” presentation of which was made by the Israel Bond Organization.